Shelby's social diary

Twentysomethings rally at Kinder Station

Chairs Lauren Clark, from left, Annie Criner and Brittany Sakowitz
Gary Fountain
Andrew Bean, from left, Matt Born and Rice Lummis
Gary Fountain
Fantastic juggling
Gary Fountain
Lindsay Dalmolin, from left, Ashlie Pierce and Tiffany Gorham
Gary Fountain
Kendall Buckalew, left, and Megan McGraw
Gary Fountain
Eva Solberg
Gary Fountain
Molly McConn, from left, Natalie Klein and Aileen Hogan
Gary Fountain
Dan Zimmerman, from left, Adriana Banks and Kalon McMahon
Gary Fountain
The plaid crowd mixes with the button-downed bunch.
Gary Fountain
Tracy Guran and Ernest Lizcano
Gary Fountain
Kyle Jarrell and Jazmin Casey
Gary Fountain
Sydney Faykus, from left, Joey Batts, Kyle Kitchen and Jenny Toole
Gary Fountain

For their first foray into the charity fundraising arena Thursday night, three young pedigreed lionesses — Lauren Clark, Annie Criner and Brittany Sakowitz — roared.

As glamorous ringmasters of the circus-themed benefit for the Hermann Park Conservancy, they generated a twentysomething crowd that numbered close to 300. Okay, there were those nudging into their 30's as the Conservancy's Urban Green group (the party sponsor) is geared toward young professionals. But the vibe was totally young and restless at the park's Kinder Station.

The only real veterans in the crowd were the parents of the chairs — Sheridan and John Eddie Williams, Susie and Sanford Criner and Laura Sweeney, respectively. They didn't lower the median age for long as the parental units were soon off to other diversions.

Entertainment at the outdoor party included a belly dancer, flame thrower, juggler and DJ, all of whom had their moments at center stage before the band cranked up.

Curious style note: A number of the young women kept warm by wrapping up in grandmother's fur stole. A retro fashion fad was born, a nod to the mid-century style of Mad Men.

In the party mix was a cast of singles and couples including Danny Pletcher, Adriana Banks with Kalon McMahon, Mac Helms, Andrew Bean, Kendall Buckalew, Rice Lummis, Matt Born, Megan McGraw and Natalie Klein.

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Michelin Stars

Superstar Spanish chefs return to Houston for dinners with a purpose

Hope and Opportunity Dinner Texas Children's Hospital

Courtesy of Texas Children’s Hospital

Jordi Roca, Ignacio Torras, and Joan Roca.

Leave it to Houston to blend avant-garde gastronomy with generosity, stirring up a one-two punch of flavor and philanthropy.

Over two intimate evenings, Isabel and Ignacio “Nacho” Torras opened their private home for the Hope and Opportunity Dinners,an affair that embraced the neurodiverse community with epicurean delight.

The dinners, limited to 100 guests per night, were a collaborative recipe honoring the missions of Texas Children’s Duncan Neurological Research Institute and The Genuine Cup, the nonprofit arm of The Genuine Foundation. With a thematic throughline of “Hope” and “Opportunity,” guests were treated to a nine-course menu..

The culinary talent? Flying in from their famed El Celler de Can Roca in Girona, Spain, Michelin-starred brothers Joan Roca (head chef) and Jordi Roca (pastry chef), along with sommelier Marta Cortizas, teamed up with chef Luis Roger of Houston’s Michelin-starred BCN Taste & Tradition. The menu, a poetic composition of bold Spanish flavors and delicate textures, was elevated further by thoughtful wine pairings.

Far from a solo act, the Roca brothers worked in sync with some of Houston’s culinary luminaries: Felipe Riccio (March), Mayank Istwal (Mussafer), David Skinner (Eculent), Felipe Botero (Le Jardinier), Mary Cuclis (Kriti Kitchen), and Emmanuel Chavez (Tatemó). Service each evening was led by 27 young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, supported by 10 coaches.

One dinner honored Whitney and Jim Crane, whose Astros Foundation has become a pillar of Houston philanthropy, and Dr. Huda Y. Zoghbi, whose groundbreaking neuroscience work continues to shape the future of medicine. The second dinner spotlight fell on Laura Arnold, co-founder of Arnold Ventures LLC, and Dr. Debra F. Sukin, president and CEO of Texas Children’s Hospital, both champions for equity and innovation in their fields.

The evenings ended with cookbook signings by the Roca brothers, a fitting souvenir from two nights where food was both an experience and a vehicle for change. The events raised more than $400,000.

Showing up for science and inclusion were Monica and Yordon Alvarez, Cathy and Joe Cleary, Carlos Correa, Molly and Crownover, Paula and Reginald DesRoches, Pam and Keith Fullenweider, Adrienne and Jared Crane, Cynthia and Tony Petrello, Phoebe Tudor and Tudor, Hugo Ortega and Tracy Vaught, and Penny and Paul Layne.

Courtesy of Texas Children’s Hospital

Jordi Roca, Ignacio Torras, and Joan Roca.

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